Freshers’ Week on Two Wheels: Bike Hub Makes Cycling Part of Campus Life

 

The start of university is always a whirlwind – new faces, new routines, and for many, the first time making a city their own. At this year’s University of Hull Freshers’ Week, the Bike Hub team, run by R-evolution, played its part in helping students settle in by bringing cycling to the heart of campus life. 

 

Across the week, mechanics and volunteers ran pop-up stalls outside the Bike Hub, offering everything from demonstrations to free bike check-ups. The response was overwhelming. More than 150 students and staff stopped by, with dozens taking part in hands-on workshops to learn the basics of bike care. 

 

It wasn’t just about repairs and maintenance. 27 students tried their hand at demonstrations, from fixing a puncture to adjusting brakes, while nine new loan bikes went out onto the roads – giving students an affordable, sustainable way to get around Hull. On top of that, there were plenty of quick tweaks and goodwill adjustments, with 25 small fixes carried out on the spot to keep bikes rolling smoothly. 

 

For many students, cycling is more than a way to get from A to B. It’s about independence, saving money, and finding your way around a new city. One student, who borrowed a bike for the year, said: “It’s cheaper than buses and faster than walking – I feel like I can explore Hull properly now.” 

 

The week underlined the Bike Hub’s mission: making cycling part of everyday life. With refurbished bikes starting at student-friendly prices, a loan scheme that includes free servicing, and route advice from experienced mechanics, the Hub is becoming a cornerstone of campus life. 

 

As the new term gets underway, the message from the Bike Hub is simple: whether you’re looking for a loan bike, need advice on the best cycle routes, or just want your wheels checked over, their doors are always open.